McCaskill Blasts Akin On "Morning Joe"

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Monday, where she declined to weigh in on whether GOP Missouri Senate nominee Todd Akin should drop out in the wake of his controversial comments that "legitimate" rape can't lead to pregnancy.

"It's not my place to decide," said McCaskill. "I really think that for the national party to try to come in here and dictate to the Republican primary voters that they're going to invalidate their decision, that would be pretty radical. I think there could be a backlash for the Republicans if they did that."

And why would she call on her opponent to drop out? Akin's gaffe has made it clear why the congressman was McCaskill's preferred general election opponent.

McCaskill also called the Akin's remarks "a window into Todd Akin's mind."

"I know there are people that are out of the mainstream that really support Todd Akin. But for most Missourans, I hope this is a gut-check moment when they realize this is not somebody we want speaking for us on the floor of the United States Senate."

ADVERTISEMENT

The senator linked her opponent to Paul Ryan's budget plan.

"This is a very, very, very, very, very, very conservative person. And obviously, one of the architects of the Ryan budget," she said. "I don't think this is somebody that most of the moderate Republicans in this state can support."

She said that though Akin "may be acting like he's backtracking," he "didn't say he was wrong."

Don't Miss Today's Top Stories

“

Excellent!"

Rick, Executive Director for Policy

“

Concise coverage of everything I wish I had hours to read about."

Chuck, Graduate Student

“

The day's action in one quick read."

Stacy, Director of Communications

“

I find them informative and appreciate the daily news updates and enjoy the humor as well."